A cool way to discern who is wearing deodorant and who isn't is to be anywhere around Rossi when he stops walking. A thick crowd instantly surrounds him. image by dean adams

Both Ducati and Honda tried to sign Valentino Rossi before he signed his current Yamaha contract yesterday here at Laguna Seca

Rossi famously left the Repsol Honda Grand Prix team after the 2004 season and signed with Yamaha. He took most of his crew with him to Yamaha--including engineer Jeremy Burgess--and won the world championship in both 2004 and 2005.

Italian manufacturer Ducati also attempted to sign Rossi.

"I had good options for Honda and Ducati," Rossi said today at his daily press conference/mob scene. "I think at this time I have a lot of time in the championship and also a lot of victories. I need to enjoy racing (in order to stay motivated). It's not just about the results. The atmosphere on the team is fantastic."